Ok. Think of the female spoken word of Conflict (the more mellow songs, perhaps off of Conclusion). Now add a touch of Tortoise, a bit of Coil, some Portishead for good measure, and maybe a little Mogwai/DJ Shadow/Aphex Twin for flavor. Mix and let simmer, and you will end up with something along the lines of Meanwhile Back in Communist Russia.

Sound crazy? Perhaps. Want to know the craziest part? How damned good they are.

Though none of the above bands or influences, even when combined, can truly encapsulate the sound of MBICR, it is as good a map as any. Soothing rhythms, be they electronic or guitar driven, add texture to intelligent, often poetic monologues, creating some of the better tedecore out there. The down side here, of course, is that it is rather repetitive, and many of the tracks are more art than music; but the album as a whole flows well, and the strength of the music (and the haunting, often soothing vocals) easily make up for its shortcomings.

Though not perfect, "my elixir; my poison" is a post-rock record definitely worth a listen and, in my opinion, a few of your hard earned bucks (plus some overseas postage).

-Todd Berry